I understand the thrill of getting the newest and the latest. Nevertheless the truth is if you are happy with your current camera, you should not upgrade. Maybe until it breaks. Do not forget, by far the most important component in any camera is that thing just behind the viewfinder (i.e. you). It's so much better to invest in educating yourself than buying a new tool!
If there are 1 or 2 (little) things you are unhappy with in your camera and happy in general, again you should not upgrade. Remember, any camera will be a compromise between quality/price/size/features etc. Especially if these 1 or 2 things are from this (incomplete though wonderful) list of features: - Mega HD video with 100fps, ability to focus in total darkness, 1GP (1 GigaPixel sensor), Large format sensor in a point-and-shoot size body, GPS with lane assist, built-in satellite phone, built-in 40" LCD TV (articulated of course, built in lawn mower and of course a built-in rocket launcher.
This approach has saved me a ton of money.
A few extra tips to make your experience buying new camera more enjoyable. I have followed the following rules and have never regretted it. I have purchased many cameras (before I have realized
why camera doesn't matter). I've never got a defective one, because I was following my simple rules. I was always happy with my purchase because I was following my simple rules. Here are these rules:
1. Do not buy a camera that was just released you will get all the possible problems with unfixed bugs, and all these QC issues many are talking about. Plus you overpay up to a factor of 2!
2. Do not wait for the newer model to be released so that you can buy it, buy whatever is available NOW. Why? See rule 1. The new model may have unfixed bugs etc, it will be overpriced and most of all, even newer model will be on the horizon by then, so you might end up waiting for the newest model forever. If you have postponed buying a camera for a while, most probably you don't need a camera at all. Save some money and don't buy a camera!
3. If you are unsure what camera to buy, make a list of features you necessarily need. If you are unsure which features you need, don't buy a camera, take a photography course instead. If your list of features rules out all existing cameras, you might want to reconsider the need for that built-in rocket launcher or lawn mower (or both).
4. Buy a camera way in advance. If you need a camera for Christmas, buying it end November is already too late. It takes time to adjust to new equipment.
5. If you want a good deal, buy a camera during the deals season which is normally Thanksgiving, before Christmas/End of Year and before the announcement of a newer model. Btw, right now is good time, because all these factors happen together. It's after Thanksgiving/Christmas/End of Year deals + there will be a big equipment show in January where new models are being expected to be announced.
6. If the price is very good, follow the TGTBT (too-good-to-be-true) rule. Buy from reliable stores (official dealers). If you don't, you end up paying more usually or getting nothing or getting a lemon. Right now Amazon, BH, Adorama rule. Check these 3 and you will have a great reference point to current LOWEST prices.
7. When you receive your camera and you think something is wrong with it, first try to see if the problem is in you, rather than with the camera. In 99% of unhappy experiences that's the case. Stop, read the manual, ask on the forum before jumping to conclusions. A very good idea is to take a photography course first too.
8. If you are still unhappy after following all these steps, maybe you are one of these people who are ALWAYS unhappy. Then you can always convince yourself that you would have been as unhappy with any other camera and keep the one you have.
Read these articles before buying anything:
Should You Upgrade? Your Camera Doesn't Matter It's Not About Your Camera Equipment Acquisition
Good luck shopping!
P.S.: the comment is not referring to anyone in particular. Just my thoughts on the issue.
Last edited by vanyagor; 12-14-2011 at 04:07 PM.